Much of the foundation for children's future growth and development is established by the time they are six years old. The Health/Mental Health Component offers many services to help your child stay healthy. Before a child can receive services, health history, and permission forms must be signed. It is VERY IMPORTANT to each child that the health staff knows about any health problems the child has had. All necessary health forms must be completed accurately and fully.

For the protection of all the children, each parent should be sure his/her child is in good health before coming to a center. When a child experiences an illness that requires a visit to the doctor, a doctor's excuse must be presented stating that the child is not considered contagious.

The Head Start program conducts screenings of children's vision, hearing, and dental. If a problem is found or suspected during these screenings, parent(s) will be notified and an appointment set up with a doctor.

If a child is eligible for Medicaid services, it is important that we know his/her Medicaid number.

Head Start, Early Head Start, and every other child care provider is required by Alabama law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.

JCCEO considers applicants for all services without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.USDA Non-Discrimination StatementIn accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: